The Mojave Desert Heritage Association is a captivating museum that displays the rich history of the Mojave Desert. It boasts an extensive collection of mining and railroad artifacts, vintage automobiles, Route 66 memorabilia, and military exhibits. The museum comprises two main buildings: Goffs … [Read more...]
Southern California Desert Day Trips
Explore California's Desert Regions
China Ranch Date Farm: Discover a Hidden Desert Wonderland
The China Ranch Date Farm is not your typical farm; it's a hidden oasis in a desert valley. This secret treasure, off the beaten path, is a must-visit on your next adventure through the Mojave Desert. As you step into this palm-fringed sanctuary, a stark contrast to the arid surroundings, you'll be … [Read more...]
Death Valley Junction: A Ghost Town With an Opera House
Death Valley Junction started as a water stop along the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad, which operated from 1907 until 1940. In 1914, a 20-mile side spur was constructed from Death Valley Junction to the mines at Ryan, near Death Valley; the line operated until 1928 and carried Borax to the mill at … [Read more...]
Exploring the Owens Valley Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns
The Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns are seven miles north of the ranching town of Cartago in the Owens Valley of California. A graded dirt road off Highway 395 leads to the kilns. Any vehicle can make this side trip as long as you are careful. From the turnout on Highway 395, the kilns are approximately … [Read more...]
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum Day Trip From Palm Springs
Cabot's Pueblo Museum is one of Southern California's most unique buildings. It all started with one man’s dream. He was an extraordinary individual who worked hard and traveled to many places.He wanted the desert to be a wonderful place for his family and everyone to live, to build an area rich … [Read more...]
Randsburg California Ghost Town Day Trip Points of Interest
Randsburg is located just off Highway 395 in eastern Kern County, known as the Rand Area. At an elevation of 3,500 feet, the Living Ghost Town of Randsburg transports travelers back to California's early gold mining days. Randsburg once housed nearly 3,000 miners and their families. When gold was … [Read more...]
Old Mojave Road 4-Wheel Drive Adventure Trip
The Old Mojave Road takes off-road adventurers from the Colorado River through the Mojave National Preserve to Afton Canyon near Barstow, California. This historic route has been used by native Indians, Spanish explorers, and settlers. Today, the Mojave Road is a popular adventure trip for groups of … [Read more...]
Day Trip To Borrego Springs: Town in the Middle of a National Park
Borrego Springs is a unique desert town in the center of Anza-Borrego State Park. It is an excellent choice for a quick weekend retreat or a cost-efficient family day trip. Regardless of the time of year, this desert haven provides a variety of attractions. However, it is crucial to note that … [Read more...]
Day Trip to Burro Schmidt Tunnel Mojave Desert
Burro Schmidt was a determined fellow and spent 32 years of his life burrowing through the rock to create a shortcut to bring gold ore to the smelters near Mojave. Burro never found any gold ore, but he did finish his tunnel.Schmidt was entered into "Ripley's Believe It or Not" as the "human … [Read more...]
Integratron: A Far Out Day Trip To Landers California
Integratron is a hidden gem in the Yucca Valley desert of California. Although unremarkable from the outside, it offers an otherworldly experience that leaves visitors feeling spaced out.Integratron, the only all-wood, acoustically perfect sound chamber in the United States, was constructed by … [Read more...]
Day Trip Salvation Mountain A Beautiful Tribute to Folk Art
There's Mt. Sinai, and then there's Salvation Mountain. On the barren badlands east of San Diego, a 30-foot high, 100-foot vast concrete and adobe mountain is covered in religious slogans and over 150,000 gallons of lavish multi-colored acrylic paint.Located near the salty shores of the Salton … [Read more...]
Explore Trona Pinnacles: Ancient Rock Formations in Kern County
Trona Pinnacles is situated roughly 20 miles to the east of Ridgecrest in northeastern Kern County. The terrain in this area resembles something you might see in a science fiction movie. The tufa pinnacles found here have been used as filming locations for movies such as Star Trek V: The Final … [Read more...]
Pioneertown Western Movie Town Yucca Valley
Pioneertown in Yucca Valley was built in the 1940s as an old Western movie set. Today, locals keep the West tradition alive, holding mock gunfights from April through October on Pioneer Town's Main Street.Pappy and Harriet's Palace offers live music, touring bands, and dancing in their saloon on … [Read more...]
Discover Shields Date Garden – Palm Springs Day Trip
Shields Date Garden has been a historic landmark at the exact location since 1924. They opened their doors on Christmas Day of that year and have provided customers with high-quality date, citrus, and organic food products ever since.At the Shields Date Garden store, you can order a delicious … [Read more...]
Twentynine Palms: A Thriving Artist Colony in the Mojave Desert
Twentynine Palms is located at the northern entrance of Joshua National Park. Despite being a sleepy desert oasis, many travelers pass through the town without realizing its potential. Most of the town's revenue comes from the nearby 29 Palms Marine Base and tourists visiting Joshua Park for a … [Read more...]